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    ACT Test Scores 2026 - How to Check Result, Chart & Percentile

    ACT Test Scores 2026 - How to Check Result, Chart & Percentile

    Suthari VennelaUpdated on 09 Jul 2026, 09:32 AM IST

    ACT Scores 2026: The test results are released within one to four weeks after the exam date. One can access their ACT exam results online through the 'MyACT account' by logging in at the official website. However, in case of any delays, the scores are released within 8 weeks. For students who have taken the optional Writing section, the ACT scores are released after the release of MCQ scores. The total test scores range from 1 to 36. Each section of the ACT exam has an individual score of 1 to 36. The maximum possible ACT score is 36.

    This Story also Contains

    1. Key Aspects of ACT Scores 2026
    2. ACT Scores Release Date 2026
    3. How to Check Your ACT Scores Online?
    4. Understanding ACT Scores
    5. ACT Score Chart
    6. ACT Score Ranges for Top US Colleges 2026
    7. How to Calculate ACT Scores 2026?
    8. How to Verify Your ACT Score?
    9. How to Cancel ACT Scores?
    10. How to Send ACT Scores for Colleges?
    11. What is ACT Superscore?
    12. What is a Good ACT Score?
    ACT Test Scores 2026 - How to Check Result, Chart & Percentile
    ACT score 2026

    So, what is a good ACT exam score range? There is no 'passing score' on the ACT. This means that the passing score requirement depends on the required score from the colleges and universities you are applying to. Generally, an ACT score of 23 or above is considered to be above the current national average. The ACT score is valid for five years, and there are no restrictions on the number of reattempts. One must note that some top universities in USA might require a higher score to offer admission. ACT results help admission authorities of universities abroad, especially in the USA, to make admission decisions. Read the complete article to understand the ACT exam scoring, how ACT scores are calculated, score percentiles, and more.

    Key Aspects of ACT Scores 2026

    The ACT score report might include the following terminology.

    ParticularsMeaning
    Score RangeThe ACT exam is scored on a range of 1-36 marks.
    Composite ScoreThis is the total score obtained on the ACT exam from 1-36. This is calculated by averaging the scores from all three core sections.
    Section ScoresThese are the individual scores from all the sections that include English, Math, and Reading. These are scored from 1-36 as well.
    Average ScoresScores in the range of 17-24 are considered average scores.
    High Scores36 is the highest score achievable on the ACT exam.
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    ACT Scores Release Date 2026

    Here are the ACT result dates for 2026 for international applicants. Based on your ACT exam date you can check your result date from the table given below. For the exam to be held on July 11, 2026, the expected date for the ACT score release is between July 16, 2026. There is no specific date for scores to be reported. However, ACT scores are generally released within the timeframe given in the table.

    ACT Score Release Dates

    Test dateReporting Timeframe
    February 7, 2026
    February 13, 2026
    February 14, 2026March 3, 2026
    April 11, 2026
    April 16, 2026
    June 13, 2026
    June 18, 2026
    July 11, 2026
    July 16, 2026
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    How to Check Your ACT Scores Online?

    The ACT exam scores are released one to four weeks after the test. Candidates can access it online from the MyACT account created at the time of ACT registration. To check your exam scores, visit the ACT score login page at my.act.org and sign in to your account. The ACT scores are processed and added within 2 weeks, so it is advised that candidates check their accounts regularly. The candidates will not receive a separate email on the release of the ACT scores, nor will the ACT scores be available by contacting customer care through phone, email, chat, or fax. Furthermore, viewing the score of the ACT exam online does not speed up the reporting process.

    Why are the ACT Scores Delayed?

    In select situations, your ACT test scores can be delayed, which is why the time frame for releasing the ACT test scores is between 2 and 8 weeks. There can be multiple reasons why your ACT scores are not released. These include the following reasons.

    • Any payment is pending from your end.
    • The information you provided on the ACT exam does not match the information on your legal document.
    • The ACT answers were delayed from the test centre.
    • Your ACT test centre reported an irregularity.

    Understanding ACT Scores

    The ACT score range refers to a one- or two-digit number in the range of 1-36 that is assigned to candidates who have taken the exam. Unlike other exams, where marks obtained in all the subjects are averaged, the ACT scoring system follows a different system. There are three core subjects in the ACT: English, math, and reading. The marks obtained in each section are called the Raw Score. Based on the raw scores, the ACT result is assigned from 1-36 for each subject. The average of all the scores thus obtained is known as the ACT composite score or ACT score.

    Overview of ACT Score Range

    Section

    Number of Questions

    Score

    English

    50

    1-36

    Mathematics

    45

    1-36

    Reading

    36

    1-36

    Total

    131 questions

    1-36

    Science (Optional)401-36

    Writing (Optional)

    1 essay

    1-6

    ACT Score Chart

    The ACT score chart explains how the individual ACT raw scores in each section are converted into a score scale of 1 to 36. All the conversion details of ACT scores are explained in detail in the table below. The converted ones are used as ACT scores for colleges.

    ACT Raw Score Conversions

    Scale ScoreEnglish Raw ScoreMath Raw ScoreReading Raw Score
    365044-4536
    3548–4937–3839
    3441–4235–3638
    334034
    32393337
    31383236
    303730–3135
    29362934
    2834–3527–2833
    2732–3325–2632
    2630–3123–2431
    2528–2921–2230
    2426–2718-2029
    2323–2516–1727–28
    2221–2214–1526
    2118–201325
    2015–1711–1223–24
    1912–1409–1022
    1810–1107–0820–21
    1708–0904–0619
    1605–0703–0518
    1503–0401–0216–17

    ACT Score Ranges for Top US Colleges 2026

    Candidates who have taken the test will receive ACT scores in the range of 1-36. Each of the three core sections in ACT, English, Math, and Reading, is also scored in the range of 1-36. The average scores on the ACT range from 17 to 24, and the above-average scores range from 25 to 36. The composite ACT results are the average of all scores obtained in all three sections. While average scores each year indicate minimum admission requirements for most universities abroad, getting admission to top universities is more likely for students with above-average scores, due to heavy competition.

    Also Read: ACT Practice Tests

    How to Calculate ACT Scores 2026?

    The ACT scores are calculated for each section of the test before calculating the total ACT score. The steps below explain how the ACT scores are calculated.

    Step 1: The number of correct answers is counted. There is no negative marking or wrong answers.

    Step 2: Then, the ACT raw scores, which are the number of correct answers on each test, are converted into scale scores.

    Step 3: The average score is calculated for each ACT test section, known as the composite score. It is rounded to the nearest whole number. Fractions less than one-half are rounded down, and fractions one-half or more are rounded up.


    How to Verify Your ACT Score?

    If the candidate is not satisfied with the score, he/she can ask ACT to verify the score up to 12 months after the test date. In such a case, the candidate will need to print and fill out the ACT verification form and send it to the ACT by mail.

    Mail address for sending the ACT score verification form

    ACT Student Services

    PO Box 414

    Iowa City, IA 52243-0414, USA

    Along with the application form, the candidates will have to enclose a check payable to ACT Customer Care for the applicable fee.

    ACT Score Verification Charges 2026

    Verification ServicesFee (in USD)Fee (in INR)

    Multiple-choice tests

    $67

    ₹6,398

    Writing test essay

    $67

    ₹6,398

    Multiple-choice tests and a writing test essay

    $134

    ₹12,796

    How to Cancel ACT Scores?

    ACT scores can be cancelled in certain cases. The conducting body may cancel the score of the ACT if it finds that the score is invalid, or it finds any kind of compromises and disruptions during the test that go against the terms and conditions of the ACT.

    How to Send ACT Scores for Colleges?

    The ACT Inc. sends the scores to 4 colleges free of cost. The scores are sent automatically. And, if a candidate has taken the ACT with the writing test, the score is reported only after the release of the writing test score. Candidates can order additional score reports to share with more colleges and scholarship agencies. Once the request for score reporting is received, the ACT will process the scores within one week. For an additional score report, USD 20 must be paid as an additional fee. Once the request for score reporting is submitted, it cannot be changed or cancelled.

    What is ACT Superscore?

    ACT Superscore refers to the best subject score from all the ACT attempts. There is no restriction on the number of times a student can appear for the ACT exam. Therefore, students can select the best sectional scores out of all the attempts and send those scores to the universities abroad. Candidates can calculate their own ACT superscore.

    What is a Good ACT Score?

    There are no 'good' ACT scores for Indian students 2026. A good ACT score depends on the score requirement of the college you are aiming for. However, achieving an ACT score at or above the average ACT score for the college you are applying to will give you a better chance of being accepted. The average ACT score for Harvard University is 34 on average. Similarly, for the University of Massachusetts Boston, the average ACT score is 26. To better understand what score to aim for, understand the average ACT score for universities abroad.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: What is the raw score in ACT?
    A:

    Each section in the ACT exam has a set of questions. The raw score of ACT is simply the number of correct answers from all sections namely - English, mathematics, and reading.

    Q: Is there any negative marking in ACT exam?
    A:

    No, there is no negative marking in the ACT. You are free to guess the answer to the question that you do not know. 

    Q: What is a good ACT score?
    A:

    A composite score between 26 and 29 is considered an above-average ACT score. However, a competitive score of above 29 will make the selection of the applicant into many universities. 

    Q: Is a score of 14 on the ACT good?
    A:

    A score of 25 on the ACT is considered a good score, as it places you above the national average, which is typically around 20-21. This score can make you competitive for admission to many universities, though the specific requirements vary by institution. 

    Q: What does ACT score of 90% mean?
    A:

    A score of 90% means you have attained 29 in your ACT exam and have performed better than 90% of the students who took the ACT exam. 

    Q: What is the full score of ACT?
    A:

    Each section in the ACT has a sectional score of 1 to 36. These individual scores are totalled and averaged to get the total ACT exam score. The ACT score is given on a range of 1-36, where 36 is the maximum score one can score.

    Q: What is the ACT composite score?
    A:

    The ACT composite score is the average of all test scores of 3 sections in the ACT, which is calculated based on the total raw scores. 

    Q: Can I send my ACT score to the colleges without getting the writing test score?
    A:

    No, If you have taken the ACT with writing test, your score will be reported only after the release of ACT score of writing test.

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